Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process and one of the most important. Your wedding dress is an integral part of your wedding day and is something you’ll cherish forever. Wedding dresses are serious business, so you should do a little research before shopping for one. Here are six things you should do before choosing your dress.
Do Research to Find What You Like
The first step to choosing your wedding dress is researching to find what you like. You can look through magazines, online bridal boutiques, and Pinterest boards.
Once you know what type of dress you want, it’s time to think about what theme you want for your wedding. Are you going for traditional lace? Bohemian? Romantic vintage? Or modern minimalism?
When you arrive at your first appointment, it’s helpful to bring a few photos from magazines or Pinterest boards that show the types of dresses that appeal to you. On top of this, it’s also helpful to keep an open mind while shopping – you might even find the dream dress that you didn’t know existed!
Determine Your Budget
If you’re unsure how much money to spend on a gown, it’s time to do some research. Search online for the average cost of wedding dresses in your area and use that as a starting point for your budgeting process. If it’s going to be your parents’ gift, you may have more flexibility in what you choose and may even be able to afford something more expensive.
Once you’ve determined how much money is available for a wedding dress, write down what those limits are (e.g., $500). This will help ensure that no matter how gorgeous or perfect-looking a dress looks — or how many times someone tells you how much they love it — if it costs more than what is available on your budget, it won’t get bought anyway!
Anticipate Hidden Costs
Before capping your spending, know many hidden costs are associated with selecting a wedding dress. For example, if you plan on keeping your wedding gown as a keepsake, factor in cleaning and preservation costs, which can be anywhere from $350-$700 depending on where you live and where you buy it from.
Also, remember that some dresses may require alterations or special tailoring – if you don’t want to pay for these additional services later down the line, be prepared to choose something that fits well out of the box!
Have Your Wedding Theme Picked Out
Chances are you’ve already chosen a date, venue, and style of wedding (casual beach wedding vs formal ballroom), but have you decided on a theme? If not, consider what colors and designs you want to incorporate into your wedding décor and choose your dress accordingly. For example, if you want to go with all white flowers and linens, don’t pick a dress with lots of patterns or detailed embellishments that would clash with those elements.
Be Prepared to Try on a Lot of Dresses
Don’t be surprised if you need to try on dozens of dresses before finding “the one.” It’s not uncommon for women to go through multiple dresses before finding the one they want.
While there are some things you can do to help narrow down the process (like narrowing down what silhouettes or types of fabrics appeal to you), it’s important not to get too frustrated if the first few dresses aren’t perfect.
Remember, there will likely be more than one shopping trip before settling on “the” dress. Don’t get too attached to any particular gown just yet — it could take several trips before finding the perfect fit.
Make an Appointment
Unlike retail shops, most bridal shops require an appointment so they can give you the attention and time you deserve. You’ll want to ensure they have enough space available for you, so call ahead or schedule online if possible.
You might also consider bringing someone with you. Choosing a wedding dress is an emotional experience, so having someone close by who understands what this day means to you is key.
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is exciting, and it’s essential to approach this task with plenty of time. It will allow you to research, think about your options, and find a balance between them. More importantly, it will make you feel more confident about your choice by ensuring that you’re making it for the right reasons. With this checklist of things to accomplish before trying on any wedding dresses, you’ll be ready for the joys and surprises that come with celebrating this special occasion!
